As WP's senior editor, I edit review and preview articles, attempt to keep up with the frantic pace of Rainier's news posts, and keep our reviewers on deadline, which is akin to herding cats. When I have a moment to myself and don't have my nose in a book, I like to play action/RPG, adventure and platforming games.

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'Death By Degrees' (PS2) - Screens

Death By Degrees is an action adventure featuring Nina Williams from the multi-million selling Tekken series. Set prior to the first Tekken game this prequel focuses on the events that lead up to Nina's involvement in the Iron Fist Tournament.

'Death By Degrees' is an action adventure featuring Nina Williams from the multi-million selling Tekken series. Set prior to the first Tekken game this prequel focuses on the events that lead up to Nina's involvement in the Iron Fist Tournament. Nina's back-story centres on a secret organisation called Kometa, Kometa wields a powerful weapon named "Salacia" and it is feared as a deadly terrorist threat.

The action starts on a luxury cruise ship, where the executives of Kometa organisation have gathered in anticipation of an underground fighting tournament. To investigate the organisation, Nina Williams enters the tournament and becomes its champion.

The game begins with Nina imprisoned on the cruise ship, Nina learns that a fellow agent has gone missing, and she is ordered to ensure the success of the mission.

Players must use Nina's lethal Tekken fighting skills in hand-to-hand combat to survive, but now to increase her chances she can use weapons including multiple guns and swords. To take advantage of these numerous methods of combat, DEATH BY DEGREES features an advanced control system utilising the right analog stick to defeat enemies to gain experience points, unlock new moves and techniques.

By building up Nina's "Focus Gauge" players can execute an innovative special attack that offers an X-ray view of an opponent's body as internal organs are decimated by Nina's powerful blows.

Nina can hide behind walls and columns, and collect fingerprints to gain access to secret doors on her way through the environments. Along the way there are a variety of deadly traps and puzzles to navigate using Nina's amazing agility. With over 140 rooms to explore in the game map, DEATH BY DEGREES offers over 20 hours of gameplay.